Making $ense of C&D Recycling

June 19, 2012

As with any recycling program it's not enough to have a plan and to know where the materials are going, you have to know the economics of implementing the program. Depending on the markets in your area, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling on the C&D jobsite can result in waste diversion of 60-95%. But does this translate into economic savings for the construction or demolition site? In many instances, yes, especially in areas with relatively high tip fees for solid waste disposal. Economic and diversion data for C&D recycling projects can be found on the Internet; a good source of project analysis is on the WasteCap Resource Solutions'website.

At one WasteCap project, a large construction job (460,000 square feet), completed by Mortenson Construction, achieved a recycling rate of 97.96%. Materials recycled included, metal, wood, concrete, and cardboard. For this $70 million job, 9,588 tons of materials were recycled and $700,000 saved. On another, smaller project, a 90% recycling rate was achieved. This resulted in 231 tons diverted to recycling and a savings of $6,000.

One beneficial way to approach C&D recycling at larger sites is to develop vendor lists and allow bidding on materials generated in the largest quantities, especially metals, cardboard, and wood. In smaller projects it will be important to work even more closely with local haulers and contractors. Contractors on smaller jobs may benefit from self-hauling materials as well. Consult NERC's Winning Construction Bids and Gaining Customers for more details.

The Hauler is your Friend!

As mentioned in an earlier blog on C&D, hauler relations are crucial. Haulers know the area and they know the local markets. If you work with them, they'll take the time to find markets, if they do not already know them. Haulers can make the difference when it comes to successful, cost-effective C&D jobsite recycling. Include haulers at the start of the project, as the waste management and recycling plan is being put together. Consulting a hauler or multiple haulers prior to putting together a recycling bid package or finalizing your recycling plan will help you determine the best markets in your area, material specifications, the type and number of containers needed, signage, logistics, costs, and more.

When talking with the hauler, have prepared questions and know the specifications of your project. Be ready to describe:

• The types of materials you anticipate recycling,
• The length of time of the project,
• The exact address and location of projects,
• The services you anticipate needing, and
• Reporting requirements.

Be sure to ask them about the specific services they provide that will meet your needs, including:

• Their turnaround time (the period of time between the full dumpster call-in until pickup),
• The containers and signage will they provide,
• What the material specifications for each material will be
• Acceptable and non-acceptable contaminants, contaminant level, etc.

Finally, review safety requirements for your sites. What documentation will you require? Can the hauler provide references? If choosing between different haulers, compare costs, services, distances from your job site(s) and recycling (market) locations, reporting, and reputation.

Another tip for efficiency in recycling at the C&D job site is to use "time-based" removal. Work with the hauler to provide bins for specific materials as they are being generated during the various phases of construction.

By Athena Lee Bradley